A little sunshine

Hoss

As we travel home this weekend, there's really only one thing on my mind. Hoss goes in this morning for an MRI. We think that he has lymphoma and this, obviously, is not good. There have been tears shed by both Kari and me. Mom and Dad will look into some alternative treatments, I'm sure. But, in the end, if the result of the MRI confirms initial thoughts, this is nearing the end of a tremendous dog life. Only when you LOVE a dog, do you know the pain that we all are feeling right now. And trust me, there's a difference between owning a dog and loving one. We love him but we won't let him suffer or endure pain for any longer than is 100% necessary to try a few things. I totally trust Mom and Dad to make a decision that is in Hoss' best interest and to speak for him during this time. If you find yourself saying a prayer and you don't mind praying for the healing of an animal, send one up for us. And if you aren't inclined to pray for that, pray that God will give us all wisdom as we discern what is right for Hoss. We love that dog!

balloons

I came home to a sight I don't often see. My husband standing over the sink (no that isn't the weird part, although I don't see that often either) filling balloons with water. I guess they are using them for a field day at Spotswood tomorrow and he volunteered to do that. I threatened to spray him with one and he promptly informed me that I didn't need to, he had already taken care of that himself, as you can see from the picture! :) - Kari

Weekend Update(s)

Kari filled you in on part of our Memorial Day weekend. We did get up early and clean our cars (inside and out- washed, waxed, and vacuumed). However, we did more than just work on our long weekend off. On Saturday, we went to the gym in the morning, took naps in the afternoon, and went to Winchester for a Japenese (cook in front of you) dinner with some of her co-workers. Sunday we went to church and then to Skyline Drive. They had the one side closed due to a motorcycle accident, so we had to change the trail we hiked. It worked out good though and was a tremendous day for a hike in the woods (even though Kari got a small tick). Then on Monday, we went over to Baker and Lisa's and enjoyed some good card playing (the girls actually beat us in Euchre) and some good chicken- not to mention good sunshine and conversation with friends.
This weekend we will be in Ohio for high school graduations of family members (Kari's cousin and my cousin's daughter). It will be good to see our family and some friends again. But we're (or at least me) as excited to see Hoss (my parent's Golden Retriever) as we are anybody. We kept him for a week back in late February and now we really miss having a dog around (still do even in May). And he hasn't been feeling good lately (he's not eating like he should be) so we're a little worried about him. But we do look forward to our weekend in Ohio and had a great past weekend in VA.
-Jimmy

Clean.

Well, we have had a pretty uneventful, but nice weekend! I am definitely enjoying the day off! And today, Jimmy and both cleaned our cars, inside and out! I know it sounds like too much work to do on a day off, but it was actually kind of fun to do together. And knowing me, it will be the last time mine gets cleaned for a while.... Kari

PS - no word on our house yet...there is someone considering ours, but we are one of their top three. They will make their decision later this week. Here's to hoping!

Upswing

Well, our house viewing has increased over the last couple of days! After almost four weeks with no interest, it got a lot easier to leave a few crumbs here, dust bunny there, and then to my surprise I came home on Thursday to Jimmy telling me that we had people through. Another call from our Realtor yesterday led to two more viewings - one today and one tomorrow. Here is to hoping that all goes well, and maybe we have an offer soon. The people through on Thursday sent their Realtor back again later that day...sounds promising! - Kari

Still a Spotswood Blazer!

After a rollercoaster, whirlwind, whatever descriptive adjective you'd like to use, couple of weeks, a decision is FINALLY made. I had a job offer from Augusta County but Rockingham County somehow, someway came through. My position at Spotswood (the one I was told by everybody and their brother to be half-time) has now become a full-time position. I will remain a Spotswood Trailblazer!!
The really good news is that now Kari and I will be working about 1 mile apart. We'll be able to car pool to work on occasion, we'll have the same schedule (Spring Break for a week- Florida here we come!), the same snow days, same benefit package, etc. I will also be able to continue coaching with Coach Edwards, Coach Baker, etc. And I won't have to tell my players that I'm leaving- something I wasn't looking forward to do.
I can only say THANK YOU to the many of you who had Kari and I in your thoughts and prayers through this process. It has been difficult in many ways- but we've come out of it very happy with the result. All I can say at this point is: GO BLAZERS!!
-Jimmy

rollercoaster week

I think it suffices to say that the last week has been crazy, hence the title. Last weekend I spent time in Atlanta with my college friends, Susan, Tami, and Shannon. We started a tradition of seeing each other once a year in our areas of residence (this year was Susan's), which cover a lot of ground! I am so glad to have their friendships and the knowledge that no matter what, I will see them at least once a year and we pick up where we left off! My new shoes were a hit at school with the sixth graders ladies! :) My feet say otherwise....but who listens to them?
Jimmy's job drama spent most of this week weighing heavily on my mind each day. I checked my e-mail at every chance, which if you're a teacher you know isn't often and each night we debated over what choices to make and how to finally come to a decision. I will say this and only this, to all of you that are wondering....there has been a decision and we are both happy with it, but I am going to let him tell his news. You'll have to call him if you can't wait until he blogs. I know I am evil.
I did get to bookend my chaotic week with another fun weekend of travel. This time not so far, just Winchester (1/2 hour north of work) for the annual Apple Blossom Festival. I have heard it is quite the experience and with Jimmy happily occupied coaching AAU basketball this weekend, I decided it was time to check it out. I stayed with my friend Julia-Faye and we watched two parades, one of which is the largest fire truck parade in the world. I know all of you are jealous. Everyone wears pink and green and it really is a big festival. I ran a 10k and finished in a time I was happy with, 57 minutes or so and my legs hurt now so I know I worked them hard! I'm ready to spend all day tomorrow asleep, resting my weary body and relaxing in the knowledge that Jimmy is fully employed and that we have one less thing to stress about for now! You know me, I will find more. :) - Kari